consumer information

Quality Assurance

A formal quality assurance programme, Q Base, was implemented in 1998 and continues to this day. The Q-Base Code is based upon the ISO 9001 quality system standards. It requires the company to implement management disciplines to assure quality of products and services. We are independently audited annually by Telarc SAI, a Systems Certification Body by JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System - Australia and New Zealand) and our performance against eight standards, including meeting customer needs, training, work instructions, continual improvements, are measured and tested. For more information on Q Base please go to www.telarc.co.nz

Product Guarantee

In the unlikely event there is a fault in the manufacturing of any part of an Ashford product purchased from an authorised Ashford dealer, we will replace that part if claimed within 12 months from the date of purchase.

Processes

The company’s philosophy is to respect nature, work ethically and ensure sustainability. Our focus on recycling, and reduced energy consumption and waste were recognized with a regional Clean Green Award. The factory has been designed and equipped to ensure healthy working conditions for the thirty loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic staff. We have achieved a tertiary accreditation from ACC for our workplace safely management practices.

Timber

We purchase Silver Beech (Nothofagus Menziesii) hardwood green-sawn directly from the saw mills. This timber is sourced from sustainably-managed forests under the strict guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It has similar properties to America Maple and Cherry.

Wood is a natural, organic material with unique graining giving individual character. With the Silver Beech there is also differences in the heartwood (red or pink in colour) to the paler, silver sap wood.

We air dry the timber naturally for about 12 months before carefully completing the drying process in our dehumidifier kiln. This ensures the timber is stable and stress-free. All timber will display movement from season to season because of changes in temperature and humidity, unless it is sealed. We recommend that you protect your Ashford product from these changes by sealing with lacquer, paint or wax and to reapply the protective coating periodically.

A very small amount of New Zealand pine (Pinus Radiata) and Kadamu (Myristica chartacea Gillespie) plywood is also used.

MDF

Safe Handling Information
The wheel of the Kiwi2, core of the Joy spinning wheel and core of some bobbin whorls are made from New Zealand manufactured MDF (Medium Density Fibre board). MDF is an engineered wood-based product made by bonding wood fibres with a synthetic resin adhesive. When first manufactured, the unsealed surfaces of these boards may release formaldehyde gas in concentrations up to approximately 0.5 ppm. (Up to 1.0 ppm is the current acceptable standard in New Zealand). In rare instances this may cause irritation if dust is inhaled or comes in contact with skin. We recommend wiping away any dust with a moist rag and then sealing the surfaces with a 3 coat application of polyurethane or paint.

Health Hazards
Swallowed: Unlikely to occur, but swallowing the dust would result in abdominal discomfort.
Eye: The dust, gas and vapour may be irritating to the eyes causing discomfort and redness.
Skin: The dust, gas and vapour may irritate the skin, resulting in itching and occasional red rash. Allergic contact dermatitis may occur.
Inhaled: The dust, gas and vapour may irritate the nose, throat and lungs, especially in people with upper respiratory tract or chest complaints. Asthma may occur.

First aid measures
Swallowed: Drink a glass of water.
Eye: Flush with flowing water for at least 15 minutes and if symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.
Skin: Wash with mild soap and running water.
Inhaled: Leave the dusty area.

Wool

All Ashford fleece, sliver and yarns are from New Zealand sheep. The wool is from sheep that have not been mulesed. It is processed in New Zealand.

Wool Sliver

Ashford sliver is a 100% New Zealand product with wool from pasture-fed Merino or Corriedale sheep. We know many of the farmers – some of whom have farmed the land for generations. They take great pride in the quality of their wool and the high standard of animal husbandry. The sheep are well cared for and are not mulesed.

After the sheep are shorn, on the farm, the wool is carefully skirted and checked. Only wool that is sound, clean with good fibre length, bulk and colour is selected. It is sent to our mill in Milton to be dyed, carded and combed.

It is scoured (washed) by a standard aqueous treatment at 60-70 degrees, using an environmentally-friendly detergent called 6 mole. This detergent is biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the water leaving no residue. The wool is then dried and dyed. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from the sliver can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. (Detailed information can be found at www.oekotex.com). The fibre is then gently opened and conditioned. Carding machines align the fibres and remove any foreign matter. It is then gilled and combed.

safety information

Crafts are gentle, enjoyable activities that allow us to express ourselves creatively and practicably while engendering a sense of peace and well-being. You need to be aware, however, of safety and health precautions that need to be taken when using some of our products.

Dyes

Ashford dyes, if used correctly, are non-hazardous to humans. They are weak acid dyes that are fixed with only common white vinegar and heat. Fibre, yarn and textiles dyed with the Ashford dyes can be worn against the skin without risk. We are in close co-operation with all our suppliers of dyes to ensure they are safe to use and wear. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and the manufacturers confirm that cloth dyed with the Ashford dyes can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. Detailed information can be found under www.oekotex.com. The dyes pose no risk the environment if the dye liquid is neutralised with baking soda before disposal in the waste water system. Full instructions for the safe use and disposal of the dyes are included with the dyes.

Before you dispose of the dye bath liquid, add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the liquid to neutralise the acid in the water.

Health Hazard
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

First Aid Measures
General Information: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
After inhalation: Upon inhalation of aerosol/vapour/dust, take the patient into the fresh air, if there is difficulty breathing, medical advice is required.
After contact with the skin: Cleansing with plenty of water, soap or other non-irritating cleansing agents.
After contact with eyes: Contamination of the eyes must be treated by thorough irrigation with water, with the eyelids held open. Eventually a doctor (or eye specialist) should be consulted.
After ingestion: If the product is swallowed, the patient must at once drink water repeatedly, if possible with the addition of activated carbon. If the patient feels unwell, seek medical advice.
If medical attention is required take the dye and container with you.

Lacquered Products

Lacquer once applied to products has no significant signs or symptoms of any health hazard as a result of small ingestion.

PVA Glue

Safe Handling Information
No precaution for use although gloves and a mask are optional.

Health Hazard
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Swallowed: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any health hazard are expected to occur as a result of small ingestion.
Eye: Not known. May irritate the eyes.
Skin: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any adverse health hazard are expected to occur as a result of skin exposure.
Inhaled: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any health hazard are expected to occur as a result of inhalation exposure.

First Aid Measures
Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give plenty of water to drink. If you are concerned seek medical advice.
Eye: Flush eyes with copious amounts of water for up to 15 minutes. Retract eyelids frequently. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Inhaled: Not expected to present inhalation hazard under anticipated conditions of normal use.

Spinning Oil

Health Hazard
Swallowed: may cause gastric irritation.
Skin: Mildly irritating to skin
Eye: May cause irritation.
Inhaled: Inhalation of the vapours (generated at elevated temperatures) can cause irritation to the nose and throat.

First Aid Measures
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice.
Eye: Flood with water for at least 15 minutes, blinking as often as possible. If irritation persists, obtain medical attention.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly. Wash with soap and water. Obtain medical attention for any persistent skin irritation or abnormality.
Inhaled: No treatment necessary under normal conditions of use.

Yarns

Ashford yarns are dyed using Oeko-Tex compliant dyes. The mills confirm that all dyes used to produce the Ashford ranges of yarn comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from Ashford yarns can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. Detailed information can be found under www.oekotex.com.